Gunnedah Shire’s small business community will have a month of free events focused on networking, learning, resilience and growth as part of NSW Small Business Month.

Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry have partnered to deliver a program of events throughout October.

The council’s engagement and growth lead, Hannah Taylor, said the events would support local businesses while recognising their contribution to the community.

“Small Business Month provides an opportunity to pause, recognise and celebrate the crucial role local businesses play in our economy and community, while also giving business owners the chance to connect, learn and explore new opportunities for growth,” she said.

“It’s fantastic to work alongside the chamber to offer a range of free workshops and events funded by council to further future-proof our business community in our shire.

“Thanks to the Gunnedah branch of the Commonwealth Bank and the Australian government for supporting Small Business Month through the delivery of the workshops.”

The program will launch with a breakfast from 7am to 9am on Thursday 8 October in the outdoor area of The Railway Hotel.

The event will recognise and show appreciation for the local businesses that help keep the shire operating.

A second event will be held on Thursday 15 October to mark International Rural Women’s Day.

The event, running from 11am to 2.30pm at the Gunnedah Shire Band Hall and surrounding grounds, will celebrate women in the community with networking, food and entertainment.

Georgia Campbell, Penny Haire and Trudy Davies will join a panel for a question-and-answer session. Attendees who RSVP will receive a link to submit questions for the panel.

The program will also feature three free workshops.

The first, Learn How to Bank Safely and Manage Money, will be facilitated by the Gunnedah branch of CommBank from 10am to 11am on Wednesday 21 October at The Smithurst.

The council has also partnered with the Australian government to deliver two practical workshops through the Digital Solutions program at the Conadilly Conference Room at The Mackellar Motel.

Exploring AI: Content, Images and Video will be held from 11am to 1.30pm on Tuesday 27 October and will look at ways businesses can use artificial intelligence in their day-to-day operations.

Later that day, from 2pm to 4.30pm, Build Your Brand in Canva will explore how branding influences perceptions of businesses and provide practical guidance on building a brand.

Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Michael Broekman said the chamber was pleased to partner with the council for the program.

“Small Business Month is a great opportunity to celebrate what we do as small businesses, what we achieve, the people we employ, and the economic wealth we bring to our communities,” he said.

“I encourage business owners and their teams to RSVP and come along to these events. One, they are an educational tool to improve our businesses, and two, they are an opportunity to network and strengthen relationships within this great shire’s small business community.”

For booking links to the various Small Business Month events, visit the Gunnedah Shire Council website.

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